Chapter 134: The Defensive Line Was Extremely Effective, Mercenary Casualties Were Greatly Reduced

The people from Blood Blade were responsible for hacking through shrubs with blades, clearing the field.

The burly men of Steel Shield huffed and puffed as they carried large chunks of stone.

The people from Silver Fox carefully calculated and planned the direction of the defensive line.

Even the usually arrogant Platinum Mercenary Group, under Old Cat’s leadership, rolled up their sleeves and joined the construction.

White Crow’s deputy commander even used her treasured short sword as a ruler, measuring the wall’s vertical alignment, making her subordinates want to laugh yet not dare to.

Avril did not stay idle either.

She used simple earth-element magic to help compact the foundation and level the ground, greatly improving efficiency.

This scene made many mercenaries look at her in a new light.

This magician young lady did not seem as detached from worldly affairs as they had imagined.

They worked busily for an entire day.

A simple defensive line encircling the predetermined battlefield was forcibly piled up by this group of mercenaries using brute force and a bit of technique.

The defensive line was about one meter deep and roughly two meters high.

Although it was as crude as an earthen enclosure, key positions were reinforced with stones, and it actually looked fairly decent.

Even better, this defensive line was not completely sealed, leaving several narrow gaps.

This was Old Cat’s idea: “If we block it all up, the bugs won’t come in. How are we supposed to kill them?”

“Leave a few openings, let them in, then shut the door and beat the dogs!”

As the sun set in the west, the defensive line was finally completed.

Everyone was utterly exhausted, but looking at the results before them, their hearts inexplicably felt much steadier.

After resting another night.

The trial came!

A small mercenary group known for their courage.

Under the instigation and expectant gazes of everyone, they once again acted as bait, cautiously approaching the ruins of the city gate.

Just like the previous few times, it went smoothly at first.

They made some noise, lured out seven or eight black bugs, fought while retreating, and led them into the preset battlefield.

Then they were easily surrounded and annihilated by the mercenaries lying in wait.

The second wave, the third wave… all were small groups, thrilling but without danger.

But when the fourth round of luring began, a sudden change occurred!

Hissing sounds came from within the gate tunnel.

They suddenly became dense and frenzied, and the ground trembled slightly!

“This is bad! The big ones are coming!”

The mercenary in charge of lookout shrieked a warning.

The next moment.

A pitch-black swarm of insects surged out like floodwaters bursting a dam!

The numbers were not the least bit fewer than yesterday’s wave.

Moreover, mixed within the swarm were several larger individuals, with especially ferocious mouthparts—second-tier elite black bugs!

“Form ranks! Hold the gaps!”

Old Cat shouted sternly.

He was the first to draw his thin sword and stood in front of one of the reserved gaps.

The members of the Platinum Mercenary Group instantly assembled, battle energy flaring as they formed a solid barrier.

The other mercenary groups also took their positions, archers and throwers climbing onto the wall tops.

The melee fighters firmly blocked each entrance.

The insect tide crashed into the defensive line with dull, heavy impacts.

Most of the black bugs were blocked by the wall and could only climb frantically.

But the rough wall surface and height greatly slowed them down, turning them into live targets for the archers on the wall.

Only a few second-tier elites relied on brute force to smash apart some of the stone piles and forcibly squeeze in through the gaps!

But waiting for them were elite mercenaries standing ready.

“Kill!”

Old Cat’s sword light flashed like lightning.

It precisely struck the compound eye of a second-tier elite black bug.

The insect let out a piercing screech, its movements instantly stalling.

Beside him, White Crow’s short sword thrust out like a venomous snake, instantly piercing through a gap in its armor.

Fierce battles also erupted at the other gaps.

With the defensive line as support, the mercenaries could coordinate more calmly, share the pressure, and focus on attacking the black bugs’ weak points.

Although it was still brutal, with people occasionally injured and dragged away.

The overall casualty rate, compared to yesterday’s chaotic melee, was like heaven and earth!

Avril also did not stand by idly.

She stood on a high point behind the defensive line and, targeting the densest parts of the swarm, released area-of-effect Holy Light magic.

She purified large swaths of ordinary black bugs, greatly reducing the pressure on the front lines.

The battle lasted roughly half an hour.

The surging insect swarm was finally completely wiped out.

The battlefield was once again carpeted with insect corpses.

This time.

Amid the mercenaries’ cheers, there was more relief at surviving the ordeal and renewed confidence.

After tallying the numbers, fewer than ten had died, and just over twenty were severely wounded.

Compared to yesterday’s losses, it was far better!

“This defensive line… is damn useful!”

The leader of Blood Blade wiped the insect blood from his face and grinned.

“And Miss Avril’s magic helped a lot too!”

Someone shouted loudly, drawing a chorus of agreement.

Avril gave a slight nod and walked to the front of the group.

After this battle, her image in the eyes of these mercenaries.

Had already changed from a “mysterious and generous employer” into a “trustworthy and powerful ally”.

“I have seen everyone’s performance today.”

She said clearly, “This defensive line proves that our approach is correct.”

“But if we truly want to uncover Lemon Port’s secrets and eliminate this malignant tumor, relying solely on people like us is not enough.”

“When my companions’ 【Holy Light Grenade】 arrives, after you personally witness its power, I hope everyone can help me with one thing.”

“What is it? Miss Avril, just say the word!” Fresh from victory, the mercenaries’ morale was high.

“Spread what happened here. Spread the effects of the Holy Light Grenade.”

Avril’s tone was resolute: “Attract more mercenaries, more adventurers to Lemon Port!”

“We want the level of activity here to surpass any golden district in the Empire!”

“Only when there are enough people, and enough strength.”

“Can we strike wave after wave, completely tear apart this muddy mess, charge deep into Lemon Port, and see exactly what kind of ghostly things are hidden inside!”

Her words carried a stirring force: “By then, the rewards for hunting black bugs and the bounties for gathering intelligence will only increase!”

“Everyone’s efforts today will surely bring returns far beyond your imagination!”

“Good!”

“No problem!”

“Leave it to us!”

The mercenaries responded one after another.

Their eyes shimmered with desire for wealth and adventure.

Lemon Port, this forbidden land of death.

In their eyes, had already transformed into a massive treasure trove full of opportunity!

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